HOW TO TAKE THE TRAIN IN JAPAN

How to buy train tickets

In Japan, there are two ways to take the train: one is to buy a ticket to your destination, the other is to use an IC card. First, let's find out specifically how to buy a train ticket.

1. Find the ticket vending machine near the ticket gate

You can buy tickets at the ticket machines near the station's ticket gates. Note that you should buy tickets at the automatic ticket machine (red box) with the words "きっぷ" on the right side of the photo above. The machine on the left says "チャージ専用" which means it is an IC card recharge machine.

2. Press the “Ticket” button (きっぷ)

On the ticket machine's touch panel, first press the「きっぷ」(ticket) button. Some transportation companies have a language selection button like the one on the upper right in the photo. If you are not confident in your Japanese ability, choose another language.

3. Select ticket price

When you press the “ticket” (きっぷ) button, the fares will be displayed as shown in the image above. Check the fares on the route map above the ticket machine and select the amount you want to buy.

4. Payment

After selecting your fare, insert your money into the slot and the machine will return your ticket to the ticket slot. If you have change, remember to wait for the machine to return it! Depending on the transport company, you may or may not be able to pay by credit card. In addition, in case you cannot pay by credit card at the ticket machine, you can still buy tickets with a credit card at the counter. If you want to pay by credit card instead of cash, ask the station staff.

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